Loved and respected by those who know them, they struggle to love and respect themselves.

These are the people of childhood emotional neglect.

What is childhood emotional neglect? It’s a simple but powerful force in the life of a child. It requires growing up in a household where your feelings don’t matter.

Typically, I write about the special challenges of the emotionally neglected, such as self-blame, self-directed anger, and low self-compassion. That’s because I want to help these individuals overcome them.

But truth be told, the emotionally neglected are some of the strongest adults I have ever met. Yes, it’s hard to believe, but there is a bright side to growing up emotionally ignored. So now I’d like to highlight the particular strengths you likely have if you grew up this way.

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Kathleen Notes: I have many such clients...they are remarkable people.